Sam Cooke’s popularity didn’t stop him from trying to improve himself and his music, from an intellectual standpoint. Having started with traditional hymns and adding new lyrics, he had attained success and kept challenging himself intellectually, reading everything from Aristotle to James Baldwin. In this podcast, author Peter Guralnick, Sam’s brother LC Cooke and musicians Bobby Womack and Hal Blaine describe the man’s motivations as he created Night Beat, the blues recording literally recorded in the middle of the night. Recording engineer Al Schmitt, who worked on some of Cooke’s best known music: “He was really hands on in the studio… just amazing.”

Songs included: “What A Wonderful World” “For Sentimental Reasons” “Trouble Blues” “Fool’s Paradise” and “Bring it on Home to Me”

The legendary track “Cupid” kicks off our second Sam Cooke feature. As soon as you hear his voice, it’s undeniable that this is what Sam Cooke was born to do. His brother, LC Cooke, talks here about the moment Sam knew that he was going to be pro very early in life. Even as a kid, he used to perform for popsicle sticks representing his audience to prepare for a life free of the 9-5 grind. Click the big play button for more.

Legacy Podcasts’ Black History Month series continues with a four-part look at the highly influential career of Sam Cooke. You’ll hear music from throughout his career that displays the great bredth of his talent before his tragic death in 1964 at the age of 33 – from his gospel roots to his upbeat classic hits, and from his high energy live concerts to his recordings of late-night mood pieces. Interview subjects include R&B legend Bobby Womack, Sam’s brother L.C. Cooke, and drummer Hal Blaine.